Textile lever device

ABSTRACT

Textile lever device including an airbag (one-piece-woven or OPW airbag) having single-layer and multi-layer areas, the airbag being woven in one piece, with inflatable chambers lying next to each other substantially in a main direction of pull, specifically a main chamber and at least one first side chamber connected to the main chamber via a single-layer area, wherein the chambers have an upper fabric layer and a lower fabric layer, and wherein pull threads running in the main direction of pull are firmly anchored in the upper or lower fabric layer of the first side chamber, are moveably looped through the single-layer area, and in the main chamber are moveably looped on alternately in the upper fabric layer and lower fabric layer at predefined distances oriented to the main direction of pull, and are anchored to at least one point in the main chamber.

The present invention relates to a textile lever device comprising inflatable chambers.

Known from EP 1 596 778 B1 is a textile mechanism as a device for producing a linear force by contraction of a fluid-actuated chamber. Inflating a chamber-shaped component results in a shortening of a component, in this case the chamber. This function is made use of to mechanically create a pulling force for moving a further element of the device. The patent EP 1 596 778 B1 teaches no aspects as to how the textile component is fabricated.

Textile components designed for hydraulically or pneumatically effected fluid actuation in the form of one-piece woven airbags featuring a controlled lever or gripper movement are not known from prior art. Known in the automotive sector are simply knee airbags or head airbags which via integrated tethers dictate the time/space relationship in the deployment of the airbag on inflation. By means of the tethers employed in this case as pull threads no levered movements of components are controlled, because their linking or looping fails to be made in the scope of a multiple chamber system.

The invention is based on the object of proposing a textile lever device comprising inflatable chambers which now avoids or at least greatly diminishes the disadvantages known from prior art.

This object is achieved by a textile lever device comprising inflatable chambers as set forth in claim 1 by designing a textile lever device with an airbag woven in one piece (OPW airbag or one-piece woven airbag) having single-layer and multi-layer portions, with inflatable chambers lying next to each other substantially in a main direction of pull, specifically a main chamber and at least one first side chamber connected to the main chamber via a single-layer portion, such that

the chambers have an upper fabric layer and a lower fabric layer, and

wherein pull threads running in the main direction of pull

-   -   a) are firmly anchored in the upper or lower fabric layer of the         first side chamber,     -   b) are moveably looped through the single-layer portion, and     -   c) in the main chamber are moveably looped on alternately in the         upper fabric layer and lower fabric layer; at predefined         distances oriented to the main direction of pull, and     -   d) are anchored to at least one point in the main chamber,

The present invention relates to a textile component in the form of a system for fluid communication of multiple chambers with an additional lever capacity with the advantage that by increasing the fluid internal pressure (hydraulically or pneumatically effected) of the initially flattened “fluid-empty” main chamber, its three-dimensional expansion—i.e. transversely to the main pull direction—is achieved in thus creating a pull effect in the main pull direction during which the component is shortened in the main pull direction. The force of the pull acting on the pull threads results in the pull threads being “pulled out” of the single-layer portion disposed between the main chamber and the first side chamber in the direction of the main chamber, resulting for instance in the pull threads anchored in the upper fabric layer of the first side chamber moving out of the side chamber in the direction of the upper fabric layer from the axis defined by the main pull direction in ultimately hinging it in the direction of the main pull chamber via the single-layer portion acting as the hinge. Assuming that the main chamber is viewed as a lever of a joint to which is hinged—via a single-layer portion serving like a hinge—another lever, i.e. the side chamber, then this fluid-controlled lever device is appreciated as follows: when the main chamber is fluid-activated the internal pressure of the main chamber increases thus hinging the lever formed by the side chamber. If this lever were to be returned to its starting position by a spring device arranged in the side chamber when the pressure in the main chamber is dumped, then at the same time this would create a reciprocating switch, the switching finger of which is formed by the lever.

In one advantageous embodiment of the invention the textile lever device is characterized by at least one second side chamber connected via a single layer portion to the main chamber opposite the first side chamber in relation to the main chamber. This aspect permits forming a hydraulically or pneumatically acting fluid gripper. On hydraulically or pneumatically acting fluid actuation of the main chamber the two opposite side chambers are hinged about the single layer portions moving the main chamber towards each other, resulting in a gripper, the arms of which are formed by the two side chambers. By the arrangement of the lever device in accordance with the invention now, to great advantage, even extremely fragile objects can be gripped. Not absolutely necessary in achieving this is a solid anchorage of the pull threads in the main chamber with a symmetrical arrangement of the side chambers, since because of this symmetry of the pull threads which are simply looped in and through, a uniform movement of the side chambers is achieved.

In further aspects of the invention further side chambers, if necessary, can be arranged on both sides of the main chamber to achieve proper clasping of an object to be gripped. For this purpose the following variants are cited by way of example without being comprehensive.

A textile lever device comprising a third side chamber connected via a single layer portion to the first side chamber, the pull threads running in the main direction of pull being looped shiftingly through each upstream side chamber alternatingly in the upper fabric layer and the lower fabric layer.

A textile lever device comprising a fourth side chamber connected via a single layer portion to the second side chamber, the pull threads running in the main pull direction being looped shiftingly through each upstream side chamber alternatingly in the upper fabric layer and the lower fabric layer.

In another advantageous embodiment of the invention the textile lever device is characterized in that the main chamber comprises tethers connecting the upper fabric layer and the lower fabric layer and limiting the distance from each other. This now makes it possible to advantage to control the excursion of the side chambers highly exactly, since the tethers which for instance may be formed as a wanted number of threads alternating the fabric layer act so-to-speak as stops defining the maximum spacing between the upper and lower fabric layers of the main chamber. Further embodiments and arrangements of tethers in OPW airbags are known to the person skilled in the art.

In yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention the textile lever device is characterized in that the outer surfaces of the device comprise at least portionally a friction enhancing coating. Optionally arranged friction enhancing coatings significantly boost the performance of the gripping device in accordance with the invention and add to safe and reliable operation whilst in addition considerably enhancing the seal and thus reliability of the device.

Instead of a fully fabricated solution the lever device configured as a textile component is produced to advantage in accordance with OPW technology with integrated pull threads, tethers, woven seams as well as with chamber to chamber connections. Now, with the multi-chamber system in accordance with the invention the OPW component is not only contracted but also spatially formed. The design can, depending on the function, combine forming the chambers with the tubative technique and linking or looping the pull thread.

When the device in accordance with the invention is used e.g. for correcting the position of a passenger seated out-of-position (OOP) in a motor vehicle, the universal applicability of the device now makes it possible to create OPW airbags capable of adapting their inflated shape to the body of the vehicle or passengers.

For a better understanding of the invention it will now be summarized by way of example embodiments with reference to the drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 a is a diagrammatic illustration of the lever device in accordance with the invention shown in section as a OPW airbag comprising a main chamber with looped-in pull threads and a first side chamber with in-woven pull threads.

FIG. 1 b is a section view showing the arrangement in FIG. 1 a in its inflated condition as changed in shape.

FIG. 2 a is a diagrammatic illustration of the lever device in accordance with the invention shown in section as a OPW airbag comprising a main chamber with looped-in pull threads and a first side chamber and second side chamber with in-woven pull threads.

FIG. 2 b is a section view showing the arrangement in FIG. 2 a in its inflated or charged condition as changed in shape.

FIGS. 3 a, 3 b and 4 a, 4 b are illustrations of analog modifications of the aforementioned versions with additional side chambers.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic illustration as an example of the actioning sequence as shown in FIG. 1 a and FIG. 1 b, going on when inflating an arrangement in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic plan view of an example of a—non-inflated—textile lever device comprising a central round main.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of the device as shown in FIG. 6 in a section taken along the line A-A of FIG. 6 now in the inflated condition.

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic illustration as a section view of a tubular side chamber when a) non-inflated and b) inflated.

FIGS. 9 a and 9 b are diagrammatic illustrations of a variant of a lever device in accordance with the invention featuring a woven seam as a single-layer portion permitting a development in the third dimension preferably restricted by tethers.

FIGS. 10 a, 10 b and 10 c are diagrammatic illustrations of a further detail of a variant in accordance with the invention of a lever device as viewed top-down (10 a), sideways in section, non-inflated (10 b) and inflated (10 c) with a woven seam as a single-layer portion linked to a side chamber.

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic illustration in a section view analagous in principle to the illustration as shown in FIG. 10 depicting how the main chamber develops into a round shape on being inflated and the resulting location of the pull threads in the main chamber as well as the leverage of the opposing chambers.

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic illustration of a configuration of the invention similar in principle to that as FIG. 11 or FIGS. 3 a and 3 b and FIGS. 4 a and 4 b featuring a train of side chambers to explain the relayed pull of the pull threads.

For a better understanding like components are identified by like reference numerals.

Referring now to FIG. 1 a there is illustrated a textile lever device TH woven in one piece (OPW-technique) comprising a main chamber HK and a first side chamber SK1 connected to the main chamber HK via a single-layer portion EB acting like a hinge. The OPW component TH has an upper fabric layer O and a lower fabric layer U. The chambers HK and SK1 are two-layer portions of the OPW airbag. The arrow pointing in the longitudinal direction of the main chamber HK symbolizes the main pull direction HZR of the pull threads ZF woven integrally in the airbag, only one of which is depicted as a broken line to make for a better overview.

Referring now to FIG. 1 b there is illustrated the arrangement as shown in FIG. 1 a in a section view in its change in shape due to being inflated or charged. The main chamber HK, thickened due to pressurization transversely to the main pull direction HZR and simultaneously shortened parallel to the main pull direction HZR—illustrated transparently—shows pull threads ZF located in its interior, the total running length of which in the interior of the main chamber HK in the condition as shown in FIG. 1 b is longer than the total running length of which in the interior of the main chamber HK in the condition as shown in FIG. 1 a. Pulling out this additional running length of the pull threads ZF as obtained between the conditions as shown in FIG. 1 a and FIG. 1 b from the single-layer portion EB results in the side chamber SK1 being hinged upwards in the direction of the arced arrow SB in FIG. 1 b. The pull threads ZF are looped in fabric layers O and U in looping attachment locations AS, movable on the fabric layers, but in the upper fabric layer O of the side chamber SK1 they are fixedly woven in place and anchored so-to-speak.

In the single-layer portion EB (OPW woven seam) the pull threads ZF are engineered movable in the direction of the thread axis by a channel (not shown) included in a linking technique.

Fluid pressurization of the lever device TH (hydraulically or pneumatically) is achieved via the main chamber HK. Through a looping tunnel in the single-layer portion EB the side chamber SK1 is pressurized in a subsequently timed stage. The shortening in the stretch of the main chamber HK acts as a pull on the body of the main chamber HK as well as a pull on the pull threads ZF. By linking in the pull threads ZF in the wall O of the side chamber SK1 the force of the pull is converted into a levered spatial change in shape of the OPW component TH due to the lower pressure in the side chamber SK1 having lesser resistance. Also having a positive effect is the time delay in pressurization.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 a and 2 b there is illustrated a modification of the OPW textile lever device TH as shown in FIG. 1 a comprising a main chamber HK and a first side chamber SK1 connected via a single-layer portion EB acting like a hinge to the main chamber HK and a second side chamber SK2 connected via a single-layer portion EB acting like a hinge to the main chamber HK opposite the first side chamber.

How this modified lever device is configured and functions corresponds to that as shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b with the addition that now due to the cooperation of the two side chambers SK1 and SK2 a gripper is formed wherein the side chambers as indicated by the arced arrows SB are moved towards each other in completing a gripping action, i.e. now between the side chambers SK1 and SK2 an object can be gripped as already commented above. The main pull direction HZR is counter-acting in the corresponding thread direction.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 a, 3 b and 4 a, 4 b there is illustrated in each case an analogous modification of the configurations as described above but now with additional side chambers SK3 and SK4 respectively configured and functioning analogous to the former. The train of side chambers SK1 and SK3 respectively SK2 and SK4 hinge open curved in forming by pressurization a lever device with diverse angles of excursion.

Referring now to FIG. 5 there is illustrated diagrammatically by way of example each of the actions occuring on inflating of a modification in accordance with the invention of the arrangement as shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b featuring two side chambers SK1 and SK3 arranged on one side. What is involved here is a communicating multiple chamber system diversely pressurized with the possibility of including pull threads in the weave (in the warp and/or weft direction), i.e. in the component having individually adapted strength. Orienting the leverage can be determined via the linking technique (looping to, looping through, in-weaving). By spacing the loops AS in the main chamber HK the pull length acting on the side chamber(s) is determined. Delta h₁-h₂ indicates the stroke action after pressurization of the main chamber HK. Delta z₁-z₂ indicates the pull action after pressurization of the main chamber HK. SB indicates the leverage of the side chambers SK1 and SK3 prompted by the pull threads ZF after pressurization of the main chamber and side chambers.

Referring now to FIG. 6 there is illustrated in a top-down view a—non-inflated—textile lever device comprising a central round main chamber HK and four side chambers SK arranged peripherally in a cruciform, In the circular single-layer portion EB surrounding the main chamber HK, i.e. the woven seam surrounding the main chamber, the pull threads ZF are looped through in channels DS to merge into the side chambers SK. Here they are linked to the upper or lower fabric of the side chambers having two layers like the main chamber HK as in EOU. Circular arranged looping in points of the pull threads ZF in the main chamber are identified with AS. Now, when the main chamber is pressurized it expands in the third dimension—parallel to the plane of the drawing—tugging the pull threads which are secured in the side chambers SK leading through the single-layer woven seam EB, resulting in hinging of the side chambers SK. Referring now to FIG. 7 this is illustrated by way of example by the broken line showing the device as shown in FIG. 6 in a section taken along the line A-A. In this arrangement the direction of the hinging depends on whether the pull threads ZF are looped in or secured in the upper ZOE or lower ZUE layer of the corresponding side chamber SK. The reference numeral ZFF designates the floating pull threads in the main chamber.

In actual practice inflation does not result ultimately in a globular shape. The ellipsoid in the dimension as shown can be assumed—depending on the internal pressure—to be maximum possible.

Referring now to FIG. 8 there is illustrated in section a tubular side chamber, a) non-inflated (in other words, as woven) and b) inflated.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 a and 9 b there is illustrated a configuration similar to that as shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, except that the single-layer portion EB is here depicted in the third dimension, i.e.—in section—it appearing not one but two dimensional. Evident therein is a middle line ML so-to-speak as a neutral fiber of the single-layer portion EB. The special feature of this embodiment relates to the pull thread ZF shown in this case running in and around the portion EB alongside the middle line and always in the upper fabric layer O, resulting in it moving the side chamber SK inevitably in the direction of the arrow SB. An alternative arrangement of the pull thread ZF in the lower fabric layer U of the main and side chamber would mean a movement of the side chamber contrary to the arrow SB. Tethers T restrict the maximum possible spatial development of the single-layer portion EB.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 a, b and c there is illustrated a further detail of a variant in accordance with the invention of a lever device in a top-down view (10 a), in a section view in section at rest (10 b) and inflated (10 c), with a woven seam EB as a single-layer portion linked to a side chamber SK. The pull threads ZF extending through the main chamber as described above transit the single-layer portion and are fixedly anchored in the wall of the side chamber. In the inflated condition of the device (FIG. 10 c) the main chamber is blown up circular as shown here diagrammatically in pulling the pull threads ZF partly out of the side chamber SK moving into the “hinged open” position SKA as depicted by the broken line.

Referring now to FIG. 11 there is illustrated a variant of the invention similar in principle to that as shown in FIG. 10 featuring in relation to the main chamber side chambers located opposite with pull threads fixedly woven and anchored in the walls of the side chambers. The sequence in the functioning involved corresponds analogous to that of the device as shown in FIGS. 10 a to 10 c.

Referring now to FIG. 12 there is illustrated a variant of the invention similar in principle to that as shown in FIG. 11 or FIG. 3 a and FIG. 3 b as well as in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b featuring a train of side chambers SK3 and SK1 with reference to the through-looping of the pull thread ZF through the side chamber SK3 neighbouring the main chamber HK. The side chambers SK3 and SK1 assume the broken-line depicted positions SK3A and SK1A as a result of the main and side chambers being inflated. In loop-in locations AS of the main chamber HK and of the side chamber SK3 the pull thread is diverted (relayed pull).

The following is a list of the salient design features of the device in accordance with the invention:

The shape of the main chamber can be individually designed as a globe/ellipsoid, tube or any form of cushion

Inflating the main chamber controls apart from the shortening, the pulling effect of the pull threads.

When engineering each system of communicating chambers, dimensioning the main and side chambers, shortening of the chambers on pressurization as well as the “hinging” function of the woven seam along the main chamber all need to be taken into account. Where pressurization is concerned the part of the system involved is one that simultaneously is multi-functional mechanically.

The leverage results from the shortening of the pull threads in the main chamber

-   -   a) to the full extent for each thread direction where the pull         threads are enlaced without counter-pull,     -   b) to the full extent with counter-pull for each thread         direction with enlacing of the pull threads located in parallel,     -   c) to a lesser extent with counter-pull for each thread         direction with a looped in pull thread in the warp or weft         direction.

Internal pressure of the main chamber>internal pressure of the side chambers.

The pneumatic connection between main and side chambers occurs via the woven seam (“horizontal” pressure equalization) and thus its engineering is of functional significance as regards LD, through-looping the pull threads and the hinging function.

In down-deflecting leverage the side chambers are hinged together in sequence via woven seams. The pull thread(s) is/are fixedly interlocked in the wall of the last side chamber wall and arranged either floating or looped in upstream side chambers.

On looping in, in the upstream side chamber an additional shortening of the pull thread occurs which effects the adjacent side and thus the leverage angle of the downstream side chambers.

Structure and function of the OPW multiple chamber lever device in accordance with the invention. By controlling the internal pressure the main chamber HK is deployed into its third dimension (vertically) shortening its longitudinal extent HZR and the pull built up thereby (horizontal) produces via the pull threads ZF a leveraging or gripping effect.

The pull thread system put to use in the example embodiments as described above is characterized by the following function principles.

The extent of the pull is dictated by the dimension of the main chamber in conjunction with the number of looping in points facing each other whilst the length of the extent of the pull is the difference in length of the pull threads in floating and the length after inflation.

The effect of the pull occuring in the warp and/or weft thread direction is a function of the tie in of the pull thread(s).

In a one-sided pull the pull thread is fixedly linked at the side facing that of the side chamber. The extent of the pull (shortening of the adjacent side of the leverage angle) is effective to its full extent as a leverage.

On counter-pull the pull thread floats full-length in the portion of the main chamber in pulling side chambers facing each in the thread direction into the leverage position.

The walls of the side chambers accommodate anchoring of the counter pull thread by fixedly linking the same.

The shortening of the adjacent side of the leverage angle is distributed to two sides.

A down-deflecting leverage with diverse angles of leverage is achieved by a train of side chambers. The pull thread acting on the downstream side chamber floats through the upstream side chamber in each case. The pull threads lie in parallel (relayed pull).

The direction in which the leverage is deflected is controlled by the pressurization of the side chambers and the linking of the pull thread(s) in the wall of the side chambers of either the upper or lower fabric.

The woven seam system put to use in the example embodiments as described above is elaborated by the following comments.

The woven seam forms the seam connecting the communicating chambers of the main chamber system in sealing off the component from the exterior.

At the locations interconnecting the chambers the woven seam achieves by special linkings the following functions:

Through-looping, i.e. not fixedly linking the pull threads permits pull movement thereof, also reversible.

The horizontal passageway DS for gas, air or fluid from chamber to chamber influences the linking in the single-layer portion.

The leverage of the side chamber is assisted by the hinging of the woven seam as provided for in accordance with the invention.

For the pull threads use is made of multi- or monofil threads having a tensile strength in keeping with proper functioning for which polymer filaments but also carbon, aramide and ceramic filaments may be made use of. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A textile lever device comprising an airbag, said airbag being woven in one piece (one-piece-woven or OPW airbag) having single-layer and multi-layer portions, with inflatable chambers lying next to each other substantially in a main direction of pull, specifically a main chamber and at least one first side chamber connected to the main chamber via a single-layer portion, wherein the chambers have an upper fabric layer and a lower fabric layer, and wherein pull threads running in the main direction of pull: a) are firmly anchored in the upper or lower fabric layer of the first side chamber, b) are movably looped through the single-layer portion, c) in the main chamber are moveably looped in alternately in the upper fabric layer and the lower fabric layer; at predefined distances oriented to the main direction of pull, and d) are anchored to at least one point in the main chamber.
 2. The textile lever device as set forth in claim 1, further comprising at least one second side chamber connected via a single layer portion to the main chamber opposite the first side chamber in relation to the main chamber.
 3. The textile lever device as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a third side chamber connected via a single layer portion to the first side chamber, the pull threads running in the main direction of pull being looped shiftingly through each upstream side chamber alternatingly in the upper fabric layer and the lower fabric layer.
 4. The textile lever device as set forth in claim 2, comprising a fourth side chamber connected via a single layer portion to the second side chamber, the pull threads running in the main pull direction being looped shiftingly through each upstream side chamber alternatingly in the upper fabric layer and the lower fabric layer.
 5. The textile lever device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the main chamber and/or the side chamber(s) comprise so-called tether devices connecting the upper fabric layer and the lower fabric layer and their tether devices restricting the distance from each other.
 6. The textile lever device as set forth in claim 1, any of the preceding wherein the outer surfaces of the device comprise at least portionally a friction enhancing coating.
 7. The textile lever device as set forth in claim 1, any of the preceding wherein the outer surfaces of the device are laminated at least portionally. 